This article was co-authored by Janice Litza, MD. Dr. Litza is a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician in Wisconsin. She is a practicing Physician and taught as a Clinical Professor for 13 years, after receiving her MD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health in 1998.

There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

Dry skin is a problem that affects a large portion of the population, either occasionally or chronically. A healthy moisturizing routine is the best defense against this affliction. The most effective moisturizing practices center on retaining the skin’s natural oils above all else. Since your skin is the largest organ on your body, make sure you practice good hygiene to keep it healthy.

Steps

Part 1

Choosing a Skin Moisturizer

1

Determine your skin type. You need to know this before before you can choose the right moisturizer. To figure out your skin type, first wash and dry your face and wait an hour. Then, note how dry or oily your skin is. A more detailed guide can be found here.

2

Find an appropriate moisturizer. Once you know your skin type, there are a few basic categories into which your skin will likely fall. Most skin will range from ‘oily’ to ‘dry,’ with ‘normal’ between the two. The other two main categories are ‘sensitive’ and ‘mature.’

Moisturizers for dry skin are generally petroleum or oil-based.

Oily skin calls for a water-based moisturizer. It should also be noncomedogenic to prevent your pores from clogging.

Normal skin also needs a water-based moisturizer, but one which contains some oils, though much less than dry skin needs.

Sensitive skin needs a moisturizer with medicinal or soothing properties. Look for moisturizers with chamomile or aloe, but stay away from those with fragrances, dyes, or acids.

For older mature skin, you should look for a petroleum-based moisturizer rich in oils. There are many moisturizers on the market designed for mature skin that contain ingredients to help reduce wrinkles as well.[1]

Consider seeing a dermatologist for a prescription, especially if you have chronic dry skin. It is quite common for a person's skin to be a combination of skin type categories. Your dermatologist will be able to prescribe a moisturizer tailored to your skin's needs. They will also be able to recommend additional skin care practices.

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Part 1 Quiz

Which skin type is most likely to benefit from a noncomedogenic moisturizer?

Dry skin.

Nope! If you have dry skin, your pores are not as prone to being clogged as the those of other skin types, so a noncomedogenic moisturizer is not necessary. Oil- or petroleum-based moisturizers work best for dry skin. Guess again!

Normal skin.

Not quite! If your skin is normal, your pores probably don’t get clogged too often if you’re following a proper skin care regimen. You just need a regular water-based moisturizer. That said, it could be worth trying a noncomedogenic product if you’re prone to breakouts! Choose another answer!

Oily skin.

That’s right! Your overactive pores are prone to clogging, so a noncomedogenic moisturizer is a great idea. They contain agents that will help to keep your pores clear and prevent comedones (blackheads and whiteheads). A water-based noncomedogenic product is your best bet. Read on for another quiz question.

Sensitive skin.

Not necessarily! A noncomedogenic moisturizer could be a good option for you if your skin is sensitive, but that depends on how dry or oily your skin is. If your skin is sensitive, make sure you choose a moisturizer with soothing properties and steer clear of fragrances and dyes. There’s a better option out there!

Part 2

Treating Dry Skin

1

Determine whether or not you have dry skin. Does your skin feel especially tight, cracked, itchy or rough after a shower? For people with lighter skin, is your skin redder than usual? For people with darker skin, is your skin gray or ashy? If your skin is afflicted in these ways, you should pay extra attention to moisturizing to restore your natural oils.

2

Take care not to dry your skin more when showering. Close the bathroom door to keep humidity in the room, and shower more quickly and at a lower temperature than usual. Since air-drying leaves your skin drier than before, use a towel - but make sure to blot rather than rub. Follow up the shower by applying your moisturizer.[2]

3

Apply lip balm if necessary. Lip balms are an advisable part of a daily moisturizing routine, and especially important to use when treating dry skin. Avoid licking your lips, which can exacerbate the problem. Many lip balms also contain sun protective ingredients, which will protect your skin in their vulnerable state. If a new lip balm causes an adverse reaction, such as swelling, burning sensation, or redness, try a different product.[3]

4

Avoid using your regular skin care products unless they are formulated for gentle skin. Some examples of harsh skin care products are aftershaves or colognes containing alcohol or alpha-hydroxy acid, and deodorant soaps. While your skin may normally be resilient enough to combat the negative side effects of these products, you should give yourself a chance to catch up. You may also look into buying special laundry detergent for gentle skin, at least during the treatment period for dry skin.

5

Wear gloves if dry skin is affecting your hands. This is important in the winter, especially in windy and sub-zero temperatures. Wear gloves made of rubber or a similar material when washing dishes, since hot water and soap contribute to dry skin. Make sure you also apply a moisturizing lotion or cream to your hands regularly while treating dry skin, if that is an affected area.

6

Stay away from heat sources and use a humidifier during the treatment. Prolonged exposure to dry heat is the fastest way to dry out your skin. While a campfire may be fun in colder temperatures, make sure you are not too close to a dry heat sources like this because it will make your dry skin worse. When you are inside, make sure you use a humidifier or similar appliance to keep moisture in the air.[4]

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Part 2 Quiz

Which of the following can help if you have dry skin?

Allowing your skin to air dry rather than using a towel.

Not quite! Allowing your skin to air dry after a shower can lead to dry skin! For best results, gently blot the water from your skin with a towel as soon as you’re done showering. Try another answer...

Showering with the door open.

That’s right! Closing the door traps the humidity from the shower in the bathroom. Trapping that moisture in the room will minimize the drying effects of the shower on your skin. Read on for another quiz question.

Taking longer showers.

Nope! More water does not mean more moisturized skin. When you shower, you’re removing the natural oils that moisturize your skin, so you’re actually increasing your risks of dry skin when you take longer showers! Pick another answer!

Using warmer water when you shower.

Try again! It’s the other way around. Heat has a drying effect on your skin, so it’s best to turn the temperature down and use cooler water if you’re prone to dry skin. Pick another answer!

Part 3

Maintaining Healthy Skin

1

Find a daily body wash that suits your skin type. Good body wash products normally contain essential oils such as: coconut oil, olive oil and jojoba oils that help retain moisture. If you can, visit shops that specialize in natural products or consult a dermatologist for recommendations. Avoid cleansers with alcohol because they strip the skin of its natural oils.

2

Dry your skin properly after bathing. Though it seems unlikely, showering can dry out your skin unless you take proper precautions. Methods for treating dry skin apply to regular maintenance in this area: towel-dry your skin, and make sure to blot rather than rub. Afterwards, apply moisturizer to areas prone to dry skin or exposed to open air, such as the hands and face.

3

Research healthy shaving practices, whether you use an electric razor or wet shave. For men, hydrate your face using a special pre-shave moisturizer or wet towel prior to shaving. Avoid using aftershave balms and lotions that contain alcohol, since this dries out your skin. For people who shave their legs, make sure to use moisturizing cleansers in the shower to prepare your skin.

4

Keep hand and body moisturizer in your bag. Remember that those products are usually quite different from each other. Depending on where you are in the world, some moisturizers may need to have high SPF to protect your skin from sunlight and UV rays. Keeping moisturizer in your bag also reminds you to moisturize your hands after you have washed your hands.

5

Establish a routine for skin care, and stick to it. Remember that the best cure for dry skin is prevention. Make sure you plan for healthy skin care practices even when you are traveling. Having a routine also allows you to practice good hygiene without having to devote unnecessary attention to your skin.

6

Make lifestyle choices that benefit your skin. There are several lifestyle choices you can make that will help your skin stay healthy and moisturized. Here are a few:

Stay hydrated with water. Drink at least 2.2 liters of water every day (if you're a woman) and 3 liters (if you're a man).[5]

Don't smoke. Smoking makes your skin age faster, so you will develop wrinkles earlier than you would have. The only way to prevent skin damage from smoking is to quit smoking.[6]

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Part 3 Quiz

You should avoid using skincare products that include which ingredient?

Benzoyl peroxide.

Not necessarily! Benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial agent that’s used in many acne treatments to fight the bacteria that cause breakouts. If you’re prone to dry skin or have sensitive skin, you can simply use it as a spot treatment to reap the benefits without worrying about drying or irritation. There’s a better option out there!

Essential oils.

Nope! Essential oils such as coconut and olive oils are great all-natural ingredients that can help you keep your skin healthy and well-moisturized. If you have oily skin, you can find water-based products that include essential oils to get their benefits without worrying about clogged pores. Choose another answer!

Isopropyl alcohol.

Correct! Many cosmetics manufacturers include alcohols in their products to help them dry faster. But they do so at the expense of drying out your skin. The cost outweighs the benefit, especially if you have dry skin, so it’s best to steer clear of alcohol-containing products as much as possible. Read on for another quiz question.

Salicylic acid.

Try again! Salicylic acid is a common ingredient in face washes because it is an effective cleanser and exfoliator that also has anti-inflammatory properties. Like most cleansers, however, it has a mild drying effect. If you find that a cleanser containing salicylic acid is drying your skin out, use it in the evening only or alternate days with a gentler face wash. Try again...

Community Q&A

Dr. Litza is a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician in Wisconsin. She is a practicing Physician and taught as a Clinical Professor for 13 years, after receiving her MD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health in 1998.

This is a common misconception. People with acne often use strong and harsh techniques to clean the skin, and what often happens is you strip your skin of natural oils, which protect. The result is more oil produced by your body. Use a regular routine with a very mild moisturizer (that is good for your skin type) before seeking any specialty products.

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Tips

Try to pick a cream that possesses natural oils. This will make it easier for your skin to stay moisturized when inevitable and natural drying occurs in daily life.

Even when your skin is healthy, do not shower with hot or scalding water. This is the fastest way to strip your skin of its natural oils as well as directly damage the epidermis.

Changing seasons have a great impact on dryness as well as your skin’s oil production. The summer months should require somewhat less moisturizer, but make sure you continue its application to keep your skin healthy and keep your routine. In the winter, pay particular attention to your skin care practices.

Warnings

Be cautious of skin care products you find on the internet, and make sure you know where the product is coming from.

Those with severe or chronic dry skin should seek the help of a dermatologist or medical professional.

Even after you have found an optimal skin moisturizer or other product, test it out. Apply it first to a small patch of skin on your upper arm and make sure that no negative side effects occur, such as rashes or drying.

To moisturize your skin, take shorter, cooler showers than usual so the heat doesn't dry out your skin. When you shower, try to use a bodywash that contains natural oils like coconut oil. Then, blot yourself dry with a towel and apply a moisturizer that is made for your skin type. If you don’t know your skin type, wash your face and wait an hour to see if it feels oily, normal, or dry. Re-apply that moisturize throughout the day. For more information from our reviewer on moisturizing your skin and determining your skin type, scroll down!

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Article Info

This article was co-authored by Janice Litza, MD. Dr. Litza is a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician in Wisconsin. She is a practicing Physician and taught as a Clinical Professor for 13 years, after receiving her MD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health in 1998.

"wikiHow helped me a lot. Since I have pimple issues and stuff related to that, I searched up ways to maintain a flawless skin. I must say that wikiHow taught me many different home remedies and it eventually worked when I tried it. wikiHow is one of the reliable sources you can get. "..." more

NW

N. W.

Apr 9, 2016

"Choosing the right moisturiser is a really good tip, as it will help do what is needed for your type of skin."

YH

Yolanda Henderson

Feb 16, 2017

"Very good moisturizing tips. I like the inexpensive products available at CVS, Walgreens, etc."